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“For jobs like this, I don’t. I discard anything traceable after an operation.”
She bobs her head with a hum. “Makes sense. You don’t want to keep anything hot on you in case you’re caught.”
My supplier returns from a back room. “Sorry for keeping you. I have what you need downstairs.”
We follow him to another room behind a hidden door. Shelves of assault rifles line the walls. From the corner of my eye, I glimpse a rocket launcher. One thing I love about this country is the easy access to the kind of guns that can sweep through an army of people. In Japan, we make do with blades. It’s more dangerous, more personal, and at times more satisfying. Seeking vengeance with knives is a method I’m not opposed to, as it reminds me of the precious life I have.
A side glance at Lakeshia reminds me why I prefer the guns option for this attack. Despite witnessing her ability to defend herself, I’ll hedge my bets for her safety.
“I want everything,” I say.
“Ah, Shinji, I don’t know how to operate some of these.”
I wrap my arm around her shoulder. “You don’t need to for this outing, but if you want to learn afterward, I’ll be more than happy to provide you with lessons.”
“So this trip is also for you.” Her grin elicits my own.
Evan packages our order as I glance around. “Where’s your crew?”
Evan jerks. Without meeting my gaze, he shrugs and returns to packing my weapons. “Oh, you know young folk and their fucked up priorities.”
Hmmm. His response sounds reasonable, but my instincts are slowly waking up. Evan and I have worked together for six years. Never has he done a deal without a helper or two.
“Oh, look at that.” Evan pulls his phone from his pants. “Their ears must have been ringing. Give me a second while I get one of my guys to help us.”
“I’ll have Riu pick up the product. Lakeshia, let’s go. We have more stops to make.” The lie falls off my tongue, sweeter than honey. My urgency is clear enough she doesn’t question me.
Steps away from the door, Evan slams it in our faces. “Sorry, Shinji. I can’t let you leave. A very important person wants a word with the woman who's with you.”
“You son of a bitch. You realize if I don’t get to you first, Takeshi will make you beg for death.” I search the wall for a seam I can leverage to open the door.
“Shinji, Evan isn’t too smart, is he?” Lakeshia whispers.
“What do you mean?”
She glances behind her at the weapons Evan left behind.
“Either that or he’s hedging his bets. The door can withstand a heavy barrage of bullets, so as long as we’re separated, he’s safe.” I hand her a gun. “Gear up. I saw some Kevlar over there.” I point to the corner near the RPG.
“Kevlar? Did you special order my size?” Lakeshia motions to her torso, reminding me the body I love isn’t standard.
“Right. When we get out of here, I’ll rectify my error.” I pull a vest over my head and secure it. “I’ll be your Kevlar. Stay behind me.”
She eyes me up and down.
“I mean it Lakeshia.”
“Okay, I’ll stay behind you as long as I don’t have an opening to protect you.”
Fuck!Now’s not the time to get turned on because my woman wants to shield me as much as I want to shelter her from harm.
She arches her brow and folds her arms. Nothing I say will sway her. I can’t afford to be distracted by her sexiness, but I’malways weak for Lakeshia. Is this how Takeshi feels when she defies him? How the hell does he keep his cool?
“Shinji, someone’s coming,” she whispers, pulling me out of my musings.
I turn over the table in the center of the room and collect as many bullets and guns within easy reach. I grab Lakeshia’s nape and drag her closer for a kiss. I don’t linger despite wanting to sink into her and get drunk on her taste.
The sound of the door sliding open is my cue to get in position. I aim toward the exit, but the motion stops, leaving a sliver of space separating the wall and door.
